Faculty and staff in the College of Science and Engineering understand the importance of creating and maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, and have developed several resources to help students resolve concerns quickly and directly. The academic advisors in the College of Science and Engineering Advising Center can help you identify appropriate resources and navigate the process. Here are examples where consulting an advisor in the CSE Advising Center may be a good first step:
Please contact se-adv@seattleu.edu and one of our advisors will respond promptly.
A variety of resources are available to students depending on the nature of their concerns:
If you have concerns regarding academic activities, including instruction or advising, you should first try to resolve the issue with the other person(s) involved. For example, if you believe you are being treated unfairly by a faculty or staff member, try to talk with that person. Be prepared to present your concerns, articulate how you would like to have them resolved, and work toward a resolution with that person.
If you need additional support, or if a direct communication does not resolve the issue, then reach out to the department chair. Again, be prepared to articulate the issue and how you would like to see the issue resolved. The department chair will work with you to resolve the issue. If the department chair is unable to resolve the issue, or if your issue is with the department chair, contact the Dean’s Office at sedean@seattleu.edu, and an assistant or associate dean will work with you. Your email should include your name, your program affiliation, your advisor’s name, a brief explanation of the issue, the desired outcome, and a summary of actions and responses taken by the department so far to resolve the issue. The assistant/associate dean may schedule a follow-up meeting to better understand the details of your issue. In any case, you will receive a written response that details a resolution and/or next steps.
If your concern relates to disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) or the associate dean serving as the liaison for ODS (see below) for the College of Science and Engineering.
Please note that specific university policies exist relating to grading grievances and academic integrity violations. For these issues, you must follow the processes and timelines carefully.
The Dean’s Office contacts are:
Concerns regarding other students that are related to the student code of conduct, which includes respect for self, others, relationships, community, honesty, and property, should be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students or the Department of Public Safety, depending on the nature and urgency of the concern.
Code of Student Conduct (Student-to-Student issues)
If you have exhausted your financial aid options and are experiencing an emergency financial need, limited financial assistance may be available through the Division of Student Development or the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). OMA has also developed a food assistance program in coordination with Chartwells.
Emergency Financial Needs
The Office of Institutional Equity responds to reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation, and provides assistance with academic and work accommodations, housing modifications, and obtaining off-campus assistance. (Reminder: If the concern relates to disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services or the associate dean who serves as the liaison to ODS for the College of Science and Engineering.)
The Coordinated Assistance & Resource Education Team (CARE Team) receives and responds to referrals from the campus community about students of concern. Concerns can be non-behavioral such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, food or housing insecurity, illness or injury, or feeling overwhelmed. Examples of behavioral concerns include thoughts of suicide; drastic changes in mood, appearance, or behavior; or threats to the safety of the student or others.
The Student Alert is the alert system that faculty, staff, and students can use to notify an advisor when a student is struggling in class, is encountering challenges that you are not equipped to respond to, or has disclosed they are considering leaving SU. These alerts will be triaged to an appropriate staff member who will reach out to provide support and resources to the student
If you have concerns about other student services, such as admissions, registration, financial aid, student activities, housing, etc., you should directly contact the department/office where you have the issue.